We want to share what Jane from the Peace Angels posted on-line today.

Today is the day ... YAY!!! Today is the Concert Day. It's time to celebrate peace!!

I'm so excited that we are coming together in unity to inspire peace and support those that support other's in need.

Beautiful little Dexter is such a shining star and inspiration. It is an honour to be donating the funds from this concert to help Dexter and to support the beautiful community groups The Music Makers and the Peace Angels.

We are so amazed by the efforts of Jane. We are sure the concert will be great. We got to meet a couple of the Cinnamon Twist ladies, and they were so lovely. We still can't believe that performers who have never met Dexter have asked to perform for him. We are so grateful, even if a little over-whelmed by the support.We hope all performers have a fun night! Thank you all!We are so impressed that performers are coming all the way from Sydney! Thanks!We are excited about Melissa singing a song and dedicating it to Dexter. We know there are photos of Dexter that will be used tonight, so you will all get to 'see' him, even though, by that time.... hopefully, he will be asleep (thought Dexter does hate to fall asleep!)Dexter's grandparents will be there, sitting among everyone and we thank them for representing Dexter.Sadly, before we knew about the concert, we had registered to attend a Camp Quality camp. We'd only been on one camp, and had felt so relaxed and happy there, that we quickly registered for this one. So, neither Dexter or his parents will be there tonight. Our thoughts will be with you all, though! Sometimes, we forget just how incredible Dexter's story is... its our every day, every hour, every minute... and then, a concert comes along, or someone we have never met makes an amazing gesture, and we remember just how much harder our cheeky little boy has to fight and battle. We are learning to be as determined as him, and we are loving the laughs he gives us every day now! (We used to go months between laughs!)

This is so much fun! Every time I throw the balls out, Mum has to pick them up! Happy days!

For a little boy who has never been very interested in toys (of any kind), to see him being such an active player... and so persistent with throwing his toys... is just wonderful!For a little boy who's cerebral palsy has limited his strength and development...seeing the bowl and balls being thrown across the room is simply amazing!This just shows what the correct equipment, and opportunities can achieve.

Remember back in June? We were posting that Sunsuper Dreams link everywhere! We set up a twitter account, smashed facebook and even made it to the local news and newspaper!We won that dream. We won $5000. That was an amazing sentence to write, so I'm going to write it again... We won $5000! (Thanks to every one of the 4000 odd people who voted on-line for Dexter! xx)We were hoping to buy Dexter a walker with the money. Because we were spreading Dexter's story everywhere (and then a little further!), a lot of people learned about Dexter. A lot of people learned that we wanted to buy him a walker to help him learn to walk...And then, we were contacted by a stranger... A beautiful, kind-hearted and generous man... A man who saw Dexter and reached for his wallet... A man who heard Dexter's story and, within 30 minutes, had paid for a mobility walker for Dexter!We didn't know what to say... We spent moments smiling and jumping with happiness and moments sitting and shaking our heads at the incredibility of it!So, we had about a week to go in the competition to win the $5000, and we were given the walker... Now, we dreamed we could get a new standing frame for Dexter.We'd applied for both a walker and a new standing frame, under funding grants, and had been rejected on both accounts... apparently, Dexter wasn't capable of using the walker! (We'll show them!)

Now, about 18 month later, Dexter was still using the same, old standing frame.He is far too tall for the frame now, and has hurt himself using it a few times. It was set to the lowest place, but he was still too tall. It was becoming dangerous because Dexter could rock it and was stepping out of the back, and yet, there was no news on receiving another one to replace the old one...

The standing frame Dexter is currently using is dangerous now. Dexter got it when he was just over a year old. He was supposed to have it for a month or so, when it would then be replaced. No one really explained the benefits of using the frame, and Dexter was undergoing chemotherapy treatments for his hepatoblastoma (liver cancer), so he wasn't always strong enough to use it anyway.

For the last month or so, Dexter has needed to stand in the old frame, with the frame backed up against the back of the lounge chairs. This is the only way we could get him to stop stepping out of the back of the frame or throwing his head back. Because of his cerebral palsy, when he threw his head back, he didn't have the strength to straighten up again and would cry out in pain. We were afraid he would topple the frame over, and really hurt himself.And so, winning $5000 and having already been given a walker, there was no question... we were going to buy a new standing frame. The company representative and Dexter's amazing private physiotherapist, Zoe, turned up, to test a few different models. Strangely enough, Dexter fell asleep in all of the standing frames he tested! We chose one and ordered it... and the wait began.But, today... the brand new Leckey standing frame arrived!! We're so excited!

This is Dexter's new Leckey standing frame! It's very cool, very supportive and has a bowl that sits in the tray so he can start to use his hands more. It will grow with Dexter, so he will be able to use it safely for many years to come.

The walker came from theLeckey company, so that's what we call it. And, Leckey has already made Dexter laugh and smile and reach for things... Dexter's Mum is in love! She was washing the dishes and could hear the rattling of toys and the scratching of fingers on the table top. She found the frame's bowl lifted from the frame tray and thrown on the floor, and she heard chuckling.

My physio, Zoe, worked me really hard today! She is an excellent therapist! When we went to the cerebrapl palsy testing day and clinic in Sydney, people there knew Zoe's name. She's the one who organised the walker for us. (We'll write about her - one day!)We tried a suit that helps turn my muscles on - its pretty amazing! It helps me to feel what you all feel when your muscles are moving and working. This muscles stuff is pretty cool! With the suit (thera-togs), I really put my bum in the air when I try and crawl and I can sit better, too. All that hard work and physical therapy makes me very tired, but mum wants me to have my own suit... I slept for close to 3 hours after my therapy today! I never do that, EVER!The suits are pretty cheap, too - about $300.And, this afternoon, I did some good work in my walker, too. I was trying to find Charlotte and Mum.

What a fun weekend! It was so nice and sunny and, I went to 2 birthday parties! They were so much fun. While I can't get up and run around with the other kids who are my age, I could hear their happy shouts and laughs... and I love hearing that!

What a fantastic day today was!First... Let's go back in time a little...A couple of months ago, Lenice and I had been sitting in the backyard with Dexter and his sister and a cup of coffee. We were wearing comfy winter clothes. Lenice said she felt old and frumpy. She said she would love a make-over.With Dexter, she is always covered in drool or spit or spew. She spends no time on her hair, and shopping with Dexter is not easy... and there's also that underlying guilt about having him sit for too long in his pram, instead of exercising.And so, I sent a young lady an email... I asked her whether she could do anything? Melissa, our i98FM Local Hero of the Year set off to create the most wonderful of days for Lenice.Yesterday was the result of that! Melissa sent out emails to local businesses and

all volunteered to donate their time and services to Lenice.At this stage, Lenice had been told to keep the day free... her calender is always very full and setting the day aside was essential.So, the calender was marked, the businesses were locked in and Lenice started wondering and guessing...Someone she trusted needed to be booked in for babysitting. They had to be certain they could be free for the whole day, and this person needed to be comfortable looking after Dexter. Nicole quickly jumped at the chance to 'sit on the kids' and we locked her in for the day. (She brought along two of her own boys, which pleased Dexter and his sister!)Melissa also set the day aside and was ready to be Lenice's private driver for the day.

And finally, the day arrived and Lenice was ready to be surprised.An envelope was handed to her... her first clue was inside it.

Good Morning Lenice, You’ve got an exciting day today- Nicole will be babysitting the kids so first stop- Jindalee Spa 26 Collins St, Kiama You have an appointment at- 11.00am You’ll be getting a Facial, Eyelash Tint and Manicure and Pedicure… ENJOY….. RELAX…. HAVE FUN….. You deserve it! xo

And so, Lenice had a spa treatment at Jindaleespa Kiama. They gave her a manicure and a pedicure. They gave her a facial and tinted her eyelashes. They gave her a glass of chilled bubbly,which she enjoyed as she relaxed... She didn't know she was getting a pedicure, though, and had to leave Jindaleespa in bare feet (because she had been wearing closed in shoes and her nail polish wasn't dry, yet!)

Hi Lenice, Hope you enjoyed getting pampered... before you head back home to the kids… go buy some lunch or even a coffee but make sure you are at... Tussta Hair & Beauty by 2pm 4/44 Manning St, Kiama Because you’re getting a Hair Colour, Treatment and Cut- & your make up done. Enjoy xo

After a quick visit with the kids at home, and a few pieces of cheese, Lenice headed back to Tussta Hair. She sat down and was pampered for three hours. She was given a half head of foils and a trim. Her hair was styled and her face was made up. Lenice was feeling great and looking great...

Andrew arrived to take her home and, from him, Lenice was handed her third clue:

Hi Lenice, Hope you’ve enjoyed your day... but guess what it’s not over yet.… you’ll find what’s next when you get home… I love surprises - Don’t you? xo

Back home, Dexter's sister was confused about who the beautiful lady was... but quickly realised the lady was Mum!Soon, Lenice was handed her fourth clue:

Hi Lenice, Go get dressed into something nice you would wear out - be ready by 6.00pm - make sure Andrew is ready and wearing something nice too. xo

The kids were bathed and dressed. Charlotte was wrapped and sent to bed for the night and Lenice and Andrew got themselves ready.

Lenice was handed her fifth clue:

Hi Lenice, This is it... the last surprise…. Enjoy your trip from Cool Classic Carsto Chachi's Restaurant in Kiama where you and Andrew get to have a lovely Dinner for 2 (and drinks of course)… The bill is covered so eat and drink up! The Car will pick you up at 9pm. If you need it earlier... call Melissa and we will get the car there earlier.. I hope you have enjoyed your day and I also hope that you have realised how much the community is behind you. Everyone is willing to help… We all love Dexter and want to help him in every way we can but we also cherish you and Andrew as parents. You have been through a lot so tonight, don’t stress or worry, just enjoy your time together. Now that I’ve ticked off the ‘Make Mum and Dad feel special’ part of Dexter’s Wish List, I can hopefully make my way through all the other things for Dexter. Enjoy YOUR night xo

And soon enough, a beautiful green 1959 Cadillac from Cool Classic Cars pulled up in front of the house! The car had been brought to Australia from Las Vegas and Lenice and Andrew were the first people (in Kiama) to be driven around in it! It was incredible! By this time, it was dark, so we plan to get together again soon and take some photos as a family, with the car.Lenice and Andrew were chauffeur driven in to Chachi's Restaurant.

At Chachi's Restaurant, Lenice and Andrew were settled in and enjoying lamb shanks and gnocchi, with a bottle of red wine, when an Illawarra Mercury photographer, named Greg, entered the restaurant. He was looking for them.Greg snapped away at them, while the other people in the restaurant looked over and wondered just who Lenice and Andrew were... and why they were receiving such attention!An interview took place at the table and Lenice and Andrew were able to acknowledge each and every one of the businesses who had donated their time and services to make this such an unforgettable day. (We'll be sure to let you know when the article is in the paper!)

After dinner, Lenice and Andrew left Chachi's Restaurant and were driven home again in their new favourite car, thanks to Cool Classic Cars. They arrived home to sleeping children.They both looked younger and relaxed.

It was truly an incredible day! It was planned to perfection by Melissa, who organised everything. Thank you, Melissa! xxNicole did a beautiful job babysitting the two kids, and Lenice was reassured having Nicole there. Thank you, Nicole! xxThe ladies at Jindaleespa and Tussta Hair treated Lenice to hours of luxurious pampering. She looked amazing and felt just as good. The 1959 Cadillac from Cool Classic Cars was such fun, and the perfect way of transporting Lenice and Andrew to and from Chachi's Restaurant. The food and service there were excellent, and the meal and wine was greatly enjoyed.

None of these businesses asked for any money from Lenice, Andrew or Melissa.Each of them donated their time and services, because they recognised the daily difficulties of having a child with severe cerebral palsy. They recognised the hardship Lenice and Andrew had endured as they helped Dexter through his cancer journey and they acknowledged the trauma of 122 days in the neo-natal intensive care unit.These businesses heard Dexter's story, recognised Lenice and Andrew's strength and positive attitudes, and agreed to give Lenice and Andrew a day they could remember, with a smile, forever.

I was looking through some photos of Dexter, choosing a few that ‘told his story’ for a friend. Dexter was born in the age of the digital camera, so there were hundreds of photos to choose from. Soon enough, I got lost in the memories… I remembered just how small Dexter was. I remembered that his skin was purple and almost translucent. I remembered watching him through the plastic cage of the humidity crib and stealing little touches on his tiny feet, because I just had to reach out and touch him. The photos took me through his NICU days, when he seemed to take one step forward and two steps back… I followed his photo journey through his first cuddles and first baths, his first feeds and his first toys. Being a premmie baby, attached to tubes and wires and breathing machines, the photos of Dexter are sometimes scary, sometimes confronting, sometimes sad. I followed his photo journey home and remembered the exhaustion of that final hospital week, the excitement of the first home-coming and the incredible panic at the thought of no medical staff being on hand to help. I wondered at Dexter’s parents… how calm they seemed and how ready they were to face an unknown future. Every time Dexter did anything ‘unusual’, glances were cast towards his parents, because we all now saw them as the medical experts and assumed they’d instantly know what was going on! That seems ridiculous as I write it now, but they still carry this expectation! They have to make the medical decisions… they have to judge the problem and provide the solution for Dexter, a boy who has yet to find his words.

When Dexter was younger... before the cancer diagnosis

And then, I saw a photo that made me freeze… I stared… I got goosebumps and held my breath. It was a photo of Dexter in the bath. Dexter loves the water, so there are lots of photos of him in the bath.

So, why was this photo so powerful? I could see the cancer.

Back then, when the photo was taken, it was just a photo of Dexter in the bath.

Now, with hindsight and Dexter’s childhood cancer experience under my belt, I can easily see Dexter’s hepatoblastoma; his liver cancer. The rash the paediatrician saw is immediately obvious. And, the enlarged liver… its impossible not to see. In fact, I can no longer see Dexter, I can only see the cancer.

There is no way I would have noticed, let alone diagnosed the cancer, without having lived through the last year as Dexter’s aunt.

And really, when you have a one year old baby… you’re hardly thinking of cancer! Especially with a little boy who had already been dealt such hard blows in his first year of life! There’s no way any one of us would have been able to diagnose the cancer.Only hindsight and additional knowledge makes it possible now.

Interestingly enough, a little girl tripped over two times in one day at school. One teacher thought she was tripping on her shoes. Another teacher thought she might have an ear infection and her sense of balance might be off. Me? I jumped straight to leukemia!

I stared at that photo for a while. It brought back the horror of the initial concerns being raised and the shock and paralysis of the final diagnosis. It brought back the chemotherapy experience and every awful things that did to Dexter. It bought back the worry and sadness, the exhaustion and mind-numbing self-protection that shielded me through Dexter’s cancer journey. (And I was only a by-stander!)

I hate this photo… and yet, it’s incredibly powerful and a photo we need to have.

Dexter has a rash on his stomach... heat rash, we thought.Dexter has an extended and hard abdomen... complications with his earlier bowel problems and over-eating, we thought.Dexter was tired... his cerebral palsy and vision impairment would cause him to tire easily, they said.

Can you see the cancer? Can you see the rash? Can you see the computer-mouse-sized tumour?

This post is also in honour of Daffodil Day.Last Daffodil Day, I was in hospital, getting chemo. This year, I'm feeling much stronger and much happier.Thank goodness for good research!Thank goodness for pediatricians, who do their job thoroughly!